Mike Martz vs. Gunther Cunningham

There are no secrets behind the success of the Chicago Bears. A simple formula, consisting of strong defense, and a heavy dose of Matt Forte both running and catching the ball, have led to some success over the first part of the season.

The Chicago offense is one of few in the NFL that does not revolve around the signal caller, Jay Cutler. The catalyst of this offense is running back Matt Forte. Forte leads the team in rushing with 672 yards, and also leads the team in receiving with 419 yards; over 100 more than the second leading receiver on the team.

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Monday Night Football visits the city of Detroit for the first time since 2001, when the St. Louis Rams embarrassed the Lions on national television. The Chicago Bears come into town sporting a 2-2 record, in a divisional contest that could have major implications down the road. One of the most crucial matchups to watch is the ability of the Lions’ front four to take advantage of a Bear offensive line that led the league in sacks allowed last season. The Lion defensive line has failed to produce consistent pressure through four victories, but against this offense the Lions will have difficulty escaping with a victory if Cutler has time to throw.

The reason is Chicago’s current offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, who held the same position for the Lions for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Martz employs an aerial attack that features down field passing. This plays into a major weakness of the Lion defense, the secondary. In the previous four games Detroit has succeeded in limiting big plays by allowing short pass completions, and then tackling efficiently. Strong linebacker play has allowed the Detroit defense to bend, but not break. If Cutler is given ample time to throw, he will be able to pick apart a Lion secondary that has struggled in down field coverage. A strong pass rush will force Cutler to get rid of the ball quickly, and allow the Lion linebackers and safeties to make tackles, limiting Bear receivers to short gains.

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